The
oil shock of late 1970s prompted energy planners world over
to look for alternative sources of energy. Proper utilization
of renewable energy such as solar, biomass, wind etc., once
again started capturing the imagination of mankind. It was
realized that sustainable development of the country called
for growth of energy sector with effective management and
proper mix of available renewable and non-renewable sources
of energy. The Government of India set an example as one of
the few countries
that created independent ministry for renewable energy, the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in the early 1980s.

In
line with the Central Government policy, the renewable energy
namely Ministry of New and Renewable Energy MNRE) in early
eighties. In line with the Central Government policy, Maharashtra
created Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA). Registered
as a Society on 26 July 1985, MEDA as an organization commenced
functioning from July 1986. MEDA's objective
is to undertake development of renewable energy and facilitate
energy conservation in the State of Maharashtra, as a state
nodal agency under the umbrella of the MNRE. Apex controlling
body of MEDA is the governing
body with the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Maharashtra
state, as Chairman.

Wind Solar Hybrid System

Conference
Hall

For
about a decade since its establishment, MEDA did extensive
work in the field of renewable energy focusing on rural areas
and stand-alone devices. Integrated Rural Energy Planning
(IREP) programme was the main plank of its activities. However,
in the last few years, technologies of generation of grid-connected
power from renewable sources have matured and were become
popular in India.

Accordingly,
MEDA has undergone organizational restructuring from a largely
rural `Stand Alone System' oriented organization to a significant
player in the field of generation of power from Renewables.
Generation of power from environment friendly resources has
become the main focus. To undertake this onerous responsibility,
MEDA has positioned itself as an organization with enough
financialand human capabilities having a professional organisational
strucutre. We have also undertaken extensive human resource
development activities and have created a modern working environment
for our staff. Our office uses renewable energy sources: a
wind solar hybrid stand-alone-power-system.

MEDA Office

Accordingly,
MEDA has undergone organizational restructuring from a largely rural
`Stand Alone System' oriented organization to a significant player
in the field of generation of power from Renewables. Generation
of power from environment friendly resources has become the main
focus. To undertake this onerous responsibility, MEDA has positioned
itself as an organization with enough financialand human capabilities
having a professional organisational
strucutre. We have also undertaken extensive human resource
development activities and have created a modern working environment
for our staff. Our office uses renewable energy sources: a wind
solar hybrid stand-alone-power-system.